Ethics bill goes to full Florida Senate

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — A wide ranging ethics bill is heading to the Senate floor where it is expected to be one of the first bills passed when the legislative session begins March 5.

The Senate Rules Committee approved the bill (SB 2) on Tuesday.

In part, the bill seeks to stop lawmakers from using political committees to pay for wining and dining and travel unrelated to their positions. It also gives the Ethics Commission more power to collect fines from elected officials and allows the governor, state attorneys and the Florida Department of Law enforcement to refer cases to the commission.

The bill would also keep lawmakers from voting on items where they have a financial conflict of interest. It is a top priority for Senate President Don Gaetz.

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